Small Town Charm and Urban Delights
Love the hunt for hidden gems and one of a kind treasures? The small town charm of towns and cities along the canal offer plenty to discover. Hop off your bike for an afternoon of sightseeing, shopping or sampling the local fare. The towns identified below are geographically listed west to east.
Buffalo to Rochester
Buffalo
Rich in culture and history, Buffalo offers inspired architecture, important historic sites, championship sports teams and famous art collections. It is also the birthplace of the chicken wing and gateway to one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World: Niagara Falls. Learn more>
Lockport
A friendly community with rich historic roots, the City and Town of Lockport actually grew out of the busy traffic of the Erie Canal. Just 18 miles from Niagara Falls, USA, Lockport is home to the historic “Flight of Five” locks. Check out the many cruises and cultural venues in this area. Learn more>
Medina
Medina is home to many unique shops and attractions including the Medina Railroad Museum, the largest toy train museum in the country. With beer- and wine-tasting events, farmer’s markets and festivals, Medina merchants are making their downtown a popular destination. Learn more>
Albion
Historic Downtown Albion and Courthouse Square include several sandstone and cobblestone buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places. Located in Orleans County, Albion also offers bountiful farm markets, charming gift shops and unique museums. Learn more>
Brockport
Known as "The Victorian Village on the Erie Canal," Brockport was incorporated in 1829, just four years after the Erie Canal was built. With a pedestrian-friendly downtown, bustling with small shops and restaurants, the village prides itself on public art. With nine public parks, Brockport is also home to the College at Brockport, State University of New York. Check out the Canalfront Welcome Center, staffed by volunteers who greet Erie Canal boaters and cyclists. Learn more>
Pittsford
Located eight miles southeast of Rochester, the historic Village of Pittsford is an active commercial hub with charm, character, and lots of shopping opportunities, including art, antiques jewelry, home décor and gifts. Browse the boutiques along Main Street or the unique stores of the canal shopping district. Stop for a bite to eat or an ice cream cone while you enjoy Pittsford’s unique blend of traditional and trendy offerings. Learn more>
Palmyra
Named after an ancient city in Syria, Palmyra is located in Wayne County approximately 20 miles southeast of Rochester. The Palmyra Temple is regarded as a sacred place by the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, since it overlooks the Sacred Grove where the religion’s founder, Joseph Smith, had the “First Vision.” Museums, historic sites, festivals and entertainment are just a few things the “Queen of Canal Towns” has to offer. Learn more>
Rochester to Syracuse
Rochester
Nicknamed the “Flower City,” Rochester will keep you busy whether you are a garden enthusiast, history buff or just want to soak in some Upstate urban vibes. Notable sites include the George Eastman House and International Museum of Photography and Film, Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland and Genesee Valley Parks and the National Museum of Play (great for kids). Spend the day boating on Lake Ontario, hiking over 12,000 acres of parkland, golfing at one of many public courses, or touring wineries, breweries and distilleries. If you are downtown, make sure to check out the High Falls on the Genesee River. Learn more>
Camillus
The town of Camillus is steeped in history and the Camillus Historical Society is committed to preserving and interpreting this history. Notable sites include the Sims Store Museum, a re-created Erie Canal store, the fully restored 19 th century Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct in Erie Canal Park, the Martisco Railway Museum and the Octagon House. Enjoy time outside at one of eight parks. Learn more>
Syracuse to Little Falls
Syracuse
The fifth largest city in New York, Syracuse is a central hub with many things to do and see. Explore the history of the city at the Inner Harbor, the Erie Canal Museum, and Old Erie Canal State Historic Park. Enjoy unique shops and restaurants at Armory and Franklin Squares. Check out the art galleries at Syracuse University and the famous Carrier Dome, home to the Syracuse Orange. Also, be sure to visit Green Lakes State Park (east of Syracuse), known for its spectacular blue-green lakes. Learn more>
Chittenango
Chittenango is home to L. Frank Baum, author of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Every year in June the town celebrates its famous native son with Oz-stravaganza, a week-long celebration of all things Oz. But any time of year you can take a walk on the yellow brick road on Genesee St, visit the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum or check out the breathtaking 167-foot waterfall Chittenango Falls State Park. Learn more>
Canastota
The village of Canastota is home to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, making it a must see for sports enthusiasts. When you’re in town, you can also visit the Canastota Canal Town Museum and take an excursion to see the newly restored 80-foot lighthouse at Verona Beach, located 9 miles north of Canastota. Learn more>
Oneida
Halfway between Syracuse and Utica, Oneida was the site of one of the most interesting experiments in alternative living during the 19 th century. The Oneida Community was a religious community that practiced communalism, meaning there was no private property or possessions or individual marriages. Today, visitors can tour the sprawling Mansion House, a National Historic Landmark, that was the heart of the Community. Learn more>
Rome
Nestled into the foothills of the Adirondacks in central New York, Rome has played a major historical role in the state as a key transportation hub. Make sure to visit Fort Stanwix National Monument, the Erie Canal Village, Sears Oil Co. Museum, and the Oriskany Monument. While in Rome, be sure to sample some of the local fare--Chicken Riggies and Greens Romano. Learn more>
Utica
Due to its central location on the Erie Canal, Utica quickly became a key commercial hub. While visiting this friendly upstate city, you can enjoy fine arts at The Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute or take a tour and tasting at the Saranac Brewery, family-owned 1888. Family-friendly attractions include vintage excursion trains to the southern Adirondacks the Children’s Museum of History, Science and Technology, and the Utica Zoo. Local food favorites include Uitca Riggies, spicy escarole, half-moon cookies, and tomato pie. Learn more>
Little Falls to Albany
Little Falls
Little Falls combines quintessential small town life with modern day amenities. Situated within a deep gorge at the narrowest part of the Mohawk Valley, visitors will find scenic views, outdoor activities, a wide variety of restaurants and shops, and happenings for the whole family. Check out Veteran’s Memorial Park for a variety of sport opportunities and Moss Island, a National Natural Landmark. Learn more>
Canajoharie
Canajoharie is a small town located between Utica and Amsterdam. The village features an operating “dummy-light,” a traffic signal pedestal dating back to 1926. The Canajoharie Historic District includes many buildings on the National Register for Historic Places that display different architectural eras. A trip to Canajoharie would not be complete without a stop at the impressive Arkell Museum, which contains notable American landscapes and works by Winslow Homer. Learn more>
Schenectady
Often called the “Electric City” because General Electric was founded there, the city of Schenectady brims with history. The Stockade District boasts more than 66 buildings dating between 1700 and 1850 and is a great neighborhood to walk in. Proctors Theatre, a former vaudeville house, is a destination for major Broadway shows, cutting-edge film festivals, exciting special events, and everything in between. Learn more>
Albany
Beginning as a small Dutch settlement along the Hudson River, Albany has blossomed into a bustling capital city. Spend the day shopping, walk the Corning Preserve along the Hudson River, or explore the Lark Street Art District. The huge international-style Empire State Plaza, anchored by the State Museum and State Capitol, boasts an important collection of 20th century art and the performing arts venue known as the Egg. Learn More>